Vessel Traffic Services Operator

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Vessel Traffic Services Operator does

Works from a shore-based maritime traffic control center to coordinate and monitor ship movements in busy ports and waterways, analogous to an air traffic controller but for marine vessels.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a associate degree. About 2 years.

Estimated cost of that path: ~$7,500. Estimated payback: ~1 year. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

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